Kendricks Shines On Big Stage

ARLINGTON, TX -- Linebacker Mychal Kendricks has had a knack for making impact plays all season. He entered Sunday's game as the league leader in fumble recoveries.

Kendricks was all over the field Sunday night as he was instrumental in forcing a pair of first-half turnovers to help slow down the Cowboys offense which led to the Eagles' 24-22 victory. Cowboys quarterback Kyle Orton, who made his first start since 2011, led Dallas down the field 49 yards on seven plays into Eagles territory on the game's opening drive until Kendricks leveled running back DeMarco Murray to knock the ball loose. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher recovered the fumble which led to an Alex Henery field goal for the game's opening points.

In the second quarter, Kendricks helped thwart tight end Jason Witten, who has been a thorn in the Eagles' side for years. On a pass near the right sideline, Orton's throw was a little behind and Kendricks, who was step for step with Witten, grabbed the ball out of the air and made sure to get his feet inbounds.

"I let the plays come to me. I didn't overexert and try to do too much," Kendricks said. "I'm just happy to be a big part of this team. I'm grateful for the teammates that I've got who help me get in the right positions to do what we do. It's good to be a part of this team and to help out as a second-year guy."

Kendricks finished the game with a team-high 12 tackles as he made a number of key tackles against running back DeMarco Murray. In the third quarter, Murray caught a pass from Orton in the flat on second down. Murray had plenty of real estate to work with, but the second-year linebacker made the open-field tackle for no gain.

Later in the third quarter, Kendricks beat Murray on the ground as well. The Cowboys had a well-blocked run to the right side on first-and-10 until Kendricks penetrated and limited Murray to a 1-yard gain.